South Africa Crushes Australia by 98 Runs in First ODI

Sydney: South Africa secured a commanding 98-run victory over Australia in the first One Day International (ODI) match, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance by Keshav Maharaj.

After winning the toss, Australia elected to field first, inviting South Africa to bat. The Proteas posted a competitive total of 296 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs, highlighted by half-centuries from Aiden Markram (82), Temba Bavuma (65), and Matthew Breetzke (57). For Australia, Travis Head took four wickets, Ben Dwarshuis claimed two, and Adam Zampa picked up one.

Chasing 297, Australia started aggressively but lost their first wicket at 60 runs and then struggled against Maharaj’s devastating bowling. Captain Mitchell Marsh was the top scorer with 88 runs, supported by Ben Dwarshuis (33) and Travis Head (27). Other contributions included Nathan Ellis (14), Adam Zampa (11), Josh Inglis (5), Aaron Hardie (4), Cameron Green (3), and Marnus Labuschagne (1). Alex Carey was dismissed without scoring.

Keshav Maharaj was the star of the innings, taking five wickets for just 33 runs. Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi took two wickets each, while Sisanda Magala added one more.

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With this win, South Africa takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Australia.